(Miri, 13th) The Malaysian Minister of Works, Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, stated that the future of infrastructure development is closely related to innovation, and the Ministry of Works is committed to leading the adoption of advanced digital technologies, with Building Information Modeling (BIM) being one such technology that is revolutionizing the construction industry. BIM allows us to enhance the sustainability of infrastructure projects by providing smarter 3D model-based design and construction methods.
He said that the Ministry of Works, through its agencies, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the infrastructure in Malaysia is not only resilient and sustainable but also accessible and equitable for all Malaysians. Our work ranges from maintaining and upgrading federal roads and buildings to enhancing connectivity, especially in our rural communities. As we focus on improving mobility and connectivity, our goal is to build infrastructure that serves the people and improves the quality of life for everyone.
Alexander Nanta Linggi made this statement during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Borneo Infrastructure Symposium.
He pointed out that sustainable infrastructure in Borneo is a topic of concern in the region, which strives to integrate green infrastructure and incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into development. Recently, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) committed to incorporating green infrastructure into its flagship initiative, the Northern Sarawak Coastal Highway (NCH), attracting attention.
"This is an important initiative that connects communities and supports environmental sustainability. The 88-kilometer dual carriageway of the Northern Sarawak Coastal Highway employs elevated infrastructure to minimize environmental disruption while enhancing connectivity, not only between communities in Northern Sarawak but across the region, linking Sarawak with Brunei, Sabah, and Indonesia."
He stated that this symposium marks an important milestone in our shared vision for sustainable and transformative infrastructure development in the Borneo region, including Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia.
"The theme of today's symposium is 'Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Borneo', which deeply resonates with the priorities of the Ministry of Works. This theme aligns with the 2030 National Development Vision, particularly its Strategic Focus 6, which calls for inclusive regional development."
He also noted that this focus emphasizes the need to bridge development gaps between urban and rural areas, as well as between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. In this context, the vast landscape and diverse needs of Borneo are a focus of our efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
"In Borneo alone, our total road length reaches 54,701 kilometers, with 31,774 kilometers in Sarawak and 22,927 kilometers in Sabah. Of these, 2,958 kilometers are federal roads, while the rest are state roads maintained by the Public Works Departments of Sarawak and Sabah. The size and complexity of these road networks present challenges and opportunities for infrastructure development."
He disclosed that according to the ministry's strategic plan for 2021 to 2025, the Ministry of Works has set ambitious targets to ensure that by 2025, 80% of projects valued at RM10 million and above will use BIM. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances the quality and sustainability of infrastructure throughout Malaysia, especially in Borneo.
"The ministry's efforts also focus on retraining and upskilling our workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry. We are committed to empowering local talent to thrive in the ever-evolving construction industry. Through initiatives like the myBIM Centre and collaborations with local universities, we aim to equip contractors, engineers, architects, and surveyors with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage BIM and other digital tools."
He also stated, "I believe today's discussions and collaborations will lay the foundation for new partnerships and initiatives in shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure."
"I reiterate the Ministry of Works' unwavering commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Borneo and across Malaysia, as we jointly continue to lay the groundwork for the future, ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of the people while contributing to the environmental and economic sustainability of our region."
It is reported that this milestone event brought together over 150 industry leaders, scholars, policymakers, and students from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia to collectively shape the future of sustainable infrastructure development in Borneo.
Alexander Nanta Linggi made this statement during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Borneo Infrastructure Symposium.
He pointed out that sustainable infrastructure in Borneo is a topic of concern in the region, which strives to integrate green infrastructure and incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into development. Recently, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) committed to incorporating green infrastructure into its flagship initiative, the Northern Sarawak Coastal Highway (NCH), attracting attention.
"This is an important initiative that connects communities and supports environmental sustainability. The 88-kilometer dual carriageway of the Northern Sarawak Coastal Highway employs elevated infrastructure to minimize environmental disruption while enhancing connectivity, not only between communities in Northern Sarawak but across the region, linking Sarawak with Brunei, Sabah, and Indonesia."
He stated that this symposium marks an important milestone in our shared vision for sustainable and transformative infrastructure development in the Borneo region, including Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia.
"The theme of today's symposium is 'Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Borneo', which deeply resonates with the priorities of the Ministry of Works. This theme aligns with the 2030 National Development Vision, particularly its Strategic Focus 6, which calls for inclusive regional development."
He also noted that this focus emphasizes the need to bridge development gaps between urban and rural areas, as well as between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. In this context, the vast landscape and diverse needs of Borneo are a focus of our efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
"In Borneo alone, our total road length reaches 54,701 kilometers, with 31,774 kilometers in Sarawak and 22,927 kilometers in Sabah. Of these, 2,958 kilometers are federal roads, while the rest are state roads maintained by the Public Works Departments of Sarawak and Sabah. The size and complexity of these road networks present challenges and opportunities for infrastructure development."
He disclosed that according to the ministry's strategic plan for 2021 to 2025, the Ministry of Works has set ambitious targets to ensure that by 2025, 80% of projects valued at RM10 million and above will use BIM. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances the quality and sustainability of infrastructure throughout Malaysia, especially in Borneo.
"The ministry's efforts also focus on retraining and upskilling our workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry. We are committed to empowering local talent to thrive in the ever-evolving construction industry. Through initiatives like the myBIM Centre and collaborations with local universities, we aim to equip contractors, engineers, architects, and surveyors with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage BIM and other digital tools."
He also stated, "I believe today's discussions and collaborations will lay the foundation for new partnerships and initiatives in shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure."
"I reiterate the Ministry of Works' unwavering commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Borneo and across Malaysia, as we jointly continue to lay the groundwork for the future, ensuring that our infrastructure meets the needs of the people while contributing to the environmental and economic sustainability of our region."
It is reported that this milestone event brought together over 150 industry leaders, scholars, policymakers, and students from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia to collectively shape the future of sustainable infrastructure development in Borneo.
